New laws needed to prevent cyber and digital harassment of children: Deputy Minister
View(s):The Education Ministry will initiate the process of drafting new laws to strengthen cyber and digital safety to prevent cyber harassment, bullying or abuse as well as prevent sexual harassment and abuse of children, Deputy Minister of Education Madura Seneviratne said.
The existing laws that deal with children’s safety are inadequate and more stringent laws that would impose harsher penalties on those who abuse children need to be enacted, he said.
Recent events have shown that schoolchildren are being subjected to cyber bullying and harassment, and also suffer sexual abuse, and this needs to be stopped, he added.
A joint comprehensive study conducted by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education released recently showed that it was vital to strengthen education on cyber and digital safety to prevent cyber harassment, bullying or abuse while there must be a deterrent against such behaviour.
The deputy minister said there was also an increase in mental stress and depression among school children, and hence the ministry will set up counselling centres in all schools to allow children to have access to counselling services if they need it.
He said the work would be done with the cooperation of the National Child Protection Authority and the Women’s and Children’s Bureau of the
Sri Lanka Police.
“Our intention is to ensure that children have a safe environment in schools as well as outside,” he said. (DWI)
HitAd.lk is the best and biggest mobile phone market in Sri Lanka, and we guarantee you will find what you need here from our extensive listing of mobile phones for sale in Sri Lanka. Whether it’s a budget-priced smartphone for communication, or higher end features with advanced connectivity, there are many different options from which to choose from on our site!